KiraKira Is That Sparkle Filter You're Seeing All Over Instagram

Has your Instagram feed been looking suspiciously sparklier lately? No, you’re not experiencing delayed eye damage from #SolarEclipse2017; it's the latest video app that's taking the fashion and beauty worlds by storm (er, sparkle). Kirakira+, an app created by Japanese developer Kentaro Yama, enhances the shine of just about any object to a hypnotizing degree. It's so addicting it's become its own verb around the halls of Glamour HQ: "Those sequin shoes? I have to Kirakira them!" "I love your glitter nail polish, can I KiraKira it?" (I'm not not speaking from personal experience right now.)

Immediately upon downloading the app, the world becomes your shimmering oyster again and everything in sight is a dang pearl. Because it's practically a girl-on-girl crime to keep a secret filter this great to yourself, here's everything you need to know about KiraKira.

1. It's been around since 2015.While the app has only recently resurfaced on social media, it's technically been around for a couple of years now. We can't pinpoint exactly when or how it came back with such a vengeance, but all signs point to London Fashion Week. (See Eva Chen's sparkly boots above.) Word of mouth too, no doubt, has helped it catch like fire among editors, bloggers, and celebrities.

2. It has seven different filters.From clean, bright sparkles to multicolor shine on a black-and-white background, you've got options when it comes to your Kirakira personality. The seven filters include Twinkle, Airly, Color, Shine, Bling-bling, Blare, and the titular Kirakira itself. Similar to Snapchat, you swipe left and right to change the filter.

3. You can adjust the intensity of sparkle.Whether you're going for in-your-face shine or a barely detectable glimmer, the amount of sparkle you want to show is completely up to you, thanks to a toolbar in the top right corner. I find that with objects that are already pretty light-reflective (sequin clothing, metallic jewelry), it's better to tone the filter down a bit so it's not too overwhelming. On finer, smaller surfaces that are harder to pick up light (think glittery lipstick or nail decals), it makes a big difference to add an extra boost. Natural light also helps, particularly when you're filming forward-facing, so: for selfies.

4. You can now take both videos and photos.While the app previously worked only in video mode, a recent update allows you to take still images as well, with both the front camera and in selfie mode. The photos and videos you take immediately save to your camera roll, so don't be confused if it seems like nothing happened after you stop recording. Unlike Instagram videos, there's no need to hold down the button when you're recording, so it's easier film.

5. Turn on the flash for extra shine.While it works best on light-emitting objects, adding extra light can dramatically help the app pick up more sparkles. In the top right corner, you can turn on your phone's flash to help spotlight your objects in a lower-light settings.

6. It does cost money.But only 99 cents! And it's worth its weight in comments. At the moment, the app is only available on Apple's App Store.

7. Creator Kentaro Yama has two other apps.A-HDR and AHDR2, which are two photo-editing apps that let you create an HDR-like images from a single photo. While we haven't tried these for ourselves yet (also at 99 cents each), we can imagine they're pretty promising if they're anything like Kirakira. Hey Eva Chen, want to check them out and let us know? Thanks in advance.